Going wild, staying safe on shore excursions

September 17, 2006|By Mary Lu Abbott, Special to the Tribune

Llewellyn cites a case of a passenger who was claustrophobic but there was no question on the form about that. The person voiced concern about doing an underwater tour using a helmet so the tour operator let her try a dummy helmet. She decided not to do the tour because she felt uncomfortable in the helmet.

On forms listing shore excursions, cruise lines expressly state that they are released from liability regarding the tours.

Although the release restricts consumers' options for recourse, says Miami lawyer Rivkind, passengers might be able to sue if a line was negligent in selecting or checking a tour operator.

The consumer "will have no bargaining power" with a liability waiver, Rivkind says. "Take it or leave it. The best you can do is ask questions about the operator: How long they've been in business, their safety record, the type of staff and equipment. Get better educated, and confirm it all in writing."

Travel insurance can offer a level of reassurance and assistance in case of illness or mishap.

Royal Caribbean's vacation insurance policy, Llewellyn says, covers a passenger on or off the vessel and on either a ship's tour or on their own tour or time ashore. Other vacation policies are similar, though consumers should check specific coverage of any policy before buying it.

Passengers who choose to arrange shore activities independently at ports are on their own. Ada Brown, owner of Seaside Travel in Long Beach, Calif., says if passengers plan to make their own arrangements, they should at least ask to see government-issued business licenses and to inspect the touring vehicle.

Cruise lines have a responsibility to inform passengers of known dangers in places they may visit, Rivkind says.

On Royal Caribbean ships, "We highly recommend against [driving] mopeds anywhere in the world," Llewellyn says. "It's too dangerous. We've seen again and again guests injured and killed on mopeds."